Refugees arriving in Switzerland must hand over any assets worth more than $1,000 to authorities in order to cover costs, the broadcaster SRF reported. The news programme showed a receipt given to a Syrian refugee in Switzerland after he handed over more than half of the cash his family had brought with them.

An information sheet was shown which reportedly stated, “If you have property worth more than 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,000) when you arrive at a reception centre you are required to give up these financial assets in return for a receipt.”

A spokesperson for the Swiss migrant authority (SEM) told SRF that, “If someone leaves voluntarily within seven months this person can get the money back and take it with them. Otherwise the money covers costs they generate.”

The SEM justified the measure, saying that the contributions go towards the cost of processing applications and providing assistance.